Final proposals for Shell Centre unveiled

Six architects release visualisations of eight new towers for London’s South Bank

Final proposals have been unveiled for the redevelopment of the Shell Centre complex on London’s South Bank under a masterplan by Squire & Partners.

Six architects – including Squires, KPF and Stanton Williams – have designed elements of the 5.25-acre mixed-use scheme, including eight new towers.

The scheme will retain the famous 27-storey Shell Centre Tower and the building’s main occupier Shell will take a further 245,000 sq ft of office space in the wider scheme.

Joint developers Canary Wharf Group and Qatari Diar said the development is planned for completion in 2019.

They will submit the scheme for planning before Christmas.

The scheme will comprise of 800,000 sq ft of office space (including the Shell Centre Tower), around 80,000 sq ft of retail units, restaurants and cafes and 790 new homes, including affordable housing.

The other buildings are designed by Squire & Partners, Patel Taylor and GRID Architecture. Townshend Landscape Architects has designed the landscaping and public realm.

Sir George Iacobescu, chairman and chief executive of Canary Wharf Group, said: “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to work on such a historically interesting and important site as the Shell Centre. Our vision is of a beautiful place to live and work in the cultural heart of the most exciting city in the world.

“Just as importantly, we look forward to working with the local authority and the community to ensure that local people get the best possible opportunities from this new development for many years to come.”

Qatari Diar Group chief executive officer Mohammed bin Ali Al Hedfa, said: “Our aim is to enhance an area in need of a renaissance, with a new mixed-use development of which London can be truly proud.

“We are confident that our proposed development will put a reinvigorated South Bank at its rightful place, at the capital’s heart.”